Protection of the lineman is most important when a transmission or distribution line or a portion of a line is removed from service to be worked on using de-energized procedures. Precautions must be taken to be sure the line is de-energized before the work is started and remains de-energized until the work is completed. The same precautions apply to new lines when construction has progressed to the point where they can be energized from any source.

The installation of protective grounds and short-circuiting leads at the work site protect against the hazards of static charges on the line, induced voltages, and accidental energizing of the line.

When a de-energized line and an energized line are parallel to each other, the de-energized line may pick up a static charge from the energized line because of the proximity of the lines. The amount of this static voltage "picked up" on the de-energized line depends on the length of the parallel, weather conditions, and many other variable factors. However, it could be hazardous, and precautions must be taken to protect against it by grounding the line at the location where the work is to be completed. This will drain any static voltage to ground and protect the workman from this potential hazard.

When a de-energized line parallels an energized line carrying load, the de-energized line may have a voltage induced on it in the same manner as the secondary of a transformer. If the de-energized line is grounded at a location remote from...